Classes & Workshops

Tuesday Night Dancing with Independence Squares

Our 2025-2026 weekly classes and workshops will begin on 23 September 2025. During the summer we encourage you to attend our open houses. You can also sign up here to join a mailing list for potential new square dancers.

Information listed below applies to our 2024-2025 dance year. This section of the website will be updated as the Independence Squares board finalizes decisions for the 2025-2026 year.

We dance on Tuesday evenings. We are currently offering the following classes and workshops:

  • Mainstream class: If you’ve never square danced before, but want to give it a try, this is the class for you!
  • Plus workshop
  • Advanced (1 and 2) workshop
  • Challenge 1 workshop

Our classes and workshops are in two rooms with our callers, Betsy Gotta and Mark Franks. If you are new to a program and you take the class, please come every Tuesday through December (at least).  We understand that you may miss a class or two, but frequent absences cause the instruction to slow down which is not fair to the other students. 

Time and Location

All Tuesday night classes/dances/workshops run from 7:00 to 9:30 PM and are held at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion. We use the entrance at 2111 Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA.

Class fees and Prepayment option

You can either pay as you go at each class, or you can prepay for several class nights to receive a discount. If you choose to prepay, we must receive your payment no later than the second class in each prepayment period.

The schedule below reflects that we are dark on November 26, December 24, December 31 and April 15. Prepay periods were also adjusted as needed following unexpected class cancellations on February 11 and March 3.

You can either pay in person with a check or cash, or online with a credit card or PayPal by using our website’s link.

For members, and those taking the Mainstream class for the first time

  • Pay per class: $9.00
  • Prepay 9/24 to 12/10 (11 class nights) $77
  • Prepay 12/17 to 3/25 (11 class nights) $77
  • Prepay 4/1 to 5/20 (7 class nights) $49

For non-members

  • Pay per class: $10
  • Prepay 9/24 to 12/10 (11 class nights) $88
  • Prepay 12/17 to 3/25 (11 class nights) $88
  • Prepay 4/1 to 5/20 (7 class nights) $56

Reduced Class/Dance Admission

Independence Squares is a not-for-profit organization and is offering limited financial accommodation to
encourage you to dance on a regular basis. Financial accommodation may be available to those who are
unable to participate regularly in classes/workshops and dances due to our fee structure prohibiting them
from dancing. The Fly-In is not included in this program.

Complete this application to make a request for reduced class/dance admission. Applications should be returned to the Finance Committee. All information will remain confidential and be shared only with the Independence Squares Finance Committee.

Dues

Dues are $45 for the period from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026. Please support Independence Squares by paying your membership dues regardless of whether you are taking a class and/or workshop. Dancers attending a Mainstream class for the first time do not owe dues.

Your dues not only help to support our club, but also provide you with the following benefits:

  • Accident medical insurance through the United Square Dancers of America (USDA)
  • Reduced admission to our Tuesday night classes/workshops
  • Further reduction in Tuesday night dance fees through the club’s prepay admission program
  • Free admission to our June 7 2025 Member Appreciation Pride Dance
  • Right to vote at our Annual Meeting on June 3 2025

Members who need assistance paying dues are invited to speak confidentially with our treasurer.

You can pay your membership dues in person with either cash or a check, or online with a credit card or PayPal by using our website’s link.

Bad Weather Cancellation Policy

If Philadelphia schools have an early dismissal, are closed, or cancel afternoon or evening activities due to bad weather, then Tuesday night classes and workshops are cancelled. In addition, if Independence Squares cancels classes or other events when Philadelphia schools remain open or are not in session, an email will go out to the club’s distribution list, and the club’s webpage will be updated.

Some resources for finding out if schools are closed: